Over 600 California Muslims Lobby State Lawmakers at 5th Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol

(San Diego, CA, 5/2/16) Last Monday, April 25, over 600 Muslims of all ages from across California held over 90 advocacy meetings with elected officials and their staff in Sacramento as part of the fifth-annual Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) organized by the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA). Among the attendees, about 60 were delegates from the San Diego and Imperial County Areas.

Participants sought the support of their legislators on four issues in efforts to promote just, equitable and progressive policies within the State. These included protections for immigrants, measures to prevent school bullying, the right to engage in boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS), and police accountability.

The event's legislative agenda was as following:

AB 2844 (Oppose) – This anti-BDS bill would prohibit the state of California from investing in business firms or financial institutions that participate in BDS targeting Israel, and use the most recent federal report on politically motivated acts of BDS.

AB 2792 (Support) - The TRUTH Act establishes a transparent process, including community engagement, prior to local law enforcement participation in ICE deportation programs.

SB 1286 (Support) – Builds law enforcement accountability and transparency by allowing the public access to information on police misconduct and giving power back to civilian oversight bodies to effectively monitor police.

MDAC participants heard from a variety of speakers including Jewish Voice for Peace-Sacramento's David Mandel, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (CA-63), and Muslim Student Association West Vice President Khwaja Ahmed.

The Muslim community's size, diversity, and civic engagement was the highlight of the day.

"Our community made history by joining Muslim Day at the Capitol and communicated directly with government representatives our concerns ," said CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Hanif Mohebi. "Last week our community advocated for civil and human rights for all Californians."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.